Billionaire Profile
Simon Reuben
Global Rank
#220

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Simon Reuben

CEO, Reuben Brothers
GB
Real-Time Net Worth
$13.1B
As of December 2025
Age
80
Source
Real estate, investments
Industry
diversified
Citizenship
GB

Biography

Simon Reuben, born in Bombay, India, in 1944, is a British billionaire businessman renowned for his significant investments in real estate, private equity, and the metals industry. His wealth source is primarily from real estate and investments. Reuben, along with his brother David, has built a global business empire, with a net worth estimated at $13.1 billion as of December 2024. He is known for his strategic investments, discreet approach to business, and extensive philanthropy through the Reuben Foundation. The foundation supports education, healthcare, and community development worldwide.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Simon Reuben was born in Bombay, India, in 1944, into a Baghdadi Jewish family. His family later moved to London in the 1950s. He attended state schools in Islington and briefly studied at Sir John Cass College, but did not complete a degree.

Rise to Success

Reuben's early career involved buying and selling carpets, including acquiring England's oldest carpet company. He then entered the metals industry, co-founding Trans-World Group with his brother David. In the 1990s, they invested heavily in the Russian aluminum market. Subsequently, they shifted their focus to real estate and private equity, building a vast portfolio of properties.

Key Business Strategies

The Reuben brothers are known for strategic investments, often focusing on undervalued assets and a long-term vision. They prioritize diversification across industries, including real estate, technology, and finance, and maintain a discreet approach to business.

Philanthropy

Simon Reuben, through the Reuben Foundation, supports education, healthcare, and community projects. The foundation has donated millions to various institutions, including the University of Oxford, where Reuben College bears the family name.

Career Milestones

1944

Born

Born in Bombay, India.

1950s

Moved to London

Moved to London with his mother.

1960s

Entered Scrap Metal Business

David started his own scrap metal business.

1970s-1980s

Increased Wealth in Metals and Property

Increased wealth through metals and property trading.

1990s

Invested in Russian Metals Market

Invested in the Russian metals market with Trans-World Group.

2000

Shifted Focus to Real Estate

Sold Russian assets and focused on the UK property market.

2002

Founded Reuben Foundation

Established the Reuben Foundation.

2020

Reuben College

Reuben brothers funded the establishment of Reuben College at Oxford University.

2024

Bought W South Beach Hotel

Reuben brothers bought the W South Beach Hotel in Miami.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Reuben College, Oxford

$101M

Provided a transformational donation to establish Reuben College at Oxford University.

Healthcare

Great Ormond Street Hospital

Significant

Donations to enhance pediatric healthcare services.

Education

Reuben Scholarship Programme

Multimillion-pound endowment

Providing financial support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Education

Nancy Reuben Primary School

N/A

Founded an independent Jewish day school in Hendon.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Leadership Principles

Strategic Investments

Focusing on undervalued assets and a long-term vision.

Discretion

Maintaining a discreet approach to business.

Diversification

Diversifying across industries.